The situation
A professional working in Saudi Arabia is considering a UK home. Their remuneration includes salary, an accommodation arrangement and bonuses linked to project milestones. Their latest bank credits are higher than their typical monthly earnings.
What makes this more involved?
Recent large credits can include arrears, reimbursements or a one-off bonus. A UK lender’s treatment of overseas income and tax differs by circumstance; it is unsafe to assume the whole package can be grossed up or treated as guaranteed salary.
How I would approach it
Reconcile the unusual credits
Match each payment to its payslip or employer explanation. Identify the period earned, currency and whether the payment can reasonably recur.
Document the employment position
Confirm the role, employer, contract term, probation and any expected relocation. Distinguish employer-provided accommodation from cash available for mortgage payments.
Build a cautious payment budget
Review GBP payment exposure, dependants, overseas commitments and cash reserves. Consider a budget supported without the largest project bonus.
What could change the plan?
Can a tax-free salary be increased for affordability?
Only if the lender’s actual policy permits a particular treatment and the evidence supports it. There is no universal gross-up rule.
What if the project finishes soon?
Employment continuity and the next assignment need to be discussed. A future contract should not be assumed before it exists.
What this would establish
Establish which earnings can support the proposed purchase and what remains uncertain before a property commitment is made.
Do overseas allowances always count as income?
No. Payment type, continuity, accessibility and lender criteria all need checking.
Link to this answerEducational content reviewed 9 October 2026. Individual advice requires an assessment. Lender and policy criteria can change.
Further reading: MoneyHelper: buying a home. These references provide background information; they do not indicate acceptance of this example.